DW LACEY (HAS, May 17) raises some interesting points about the balance of power in a democracy that may be useful here in Britain.

President George Bush has claimed the authority to refuse to comply with more than 750 laws enacted since he took office, asserting that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution.

Some of the laws Mr Bush said he can ignore are military rules and regulations, affirmative-action provisions, requirements that Congress be told about immigration services problems, "whistle-blower"

protections for nuclear regulatory officials, and safeguards against political interference in federallyfunded research.

Maybe we can learn from our "special relationship". This may be our wake-up call to move away from the cult of personality, presidentialstyle politics to one of collective responsibility and genuine people power.

CLB Hughes, Darlington.